Maram tribe urged to sustain role as custodians of forest
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIO

Senapati, July 10 2025: Additional chief secretary (TA & Hills; TCI) and PCCF & HoFF Anurag Bajpai, launched two Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) - Naojai VDVK and Willong VDVK - under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN) on Thursday at the Multipurpose Hall, here.

The event began with a tree-planting ceremony attended by dignitaries, including Gaithaolu Thaimei, CCF (T-II) cum nodal officer, TRIFED; Arun RS, CF; Luckyson Ngamsha Kashung, director (TA & Hills); Mamoni Doley, Senapati DC; and Shaikh Mohd Zaid Zakir, Senapati SP .

Maram tribe urged to sustain role as custodians of forest

In his address as the chief guest, Anurag Bajpai described the occasion as "very sacred", emphasising its direct impact on tribal livelihoods.

He highlighted how the scheme would boost not only individual incomes' but also the district's overall economy.

Noting the Maram tribe's role as custodians of local forest resources, he urged stakeholders, especially women, to protect these resources for sustainable growth.

Anurag also assured tech nical support from the Forest Department to restore depleted resources and expressed hope for holistic tribal development through PM JANMAN and PM DAJGUA.

Speaking on the occasion, SP Zakir expressed that apart from maintaining law and order, provide security to the people, role of the police becomes more pronounced when it comes to protection of forest and the indigenous communities.

The police officer stressed the need for the forest department and police to work in close coordination in order to achieve the objectives, and assured to cooperate with the forest department in whatever possible way.

He also encouraged the public to become entrepreneurs as it is a new platform where one can showcase skills, unique products and indigenous knowledge carried on for generations.

Meanwhile, Gaithaolu Thaimei highlighted that there are total of 22 VDVKs under the PM Vandhan with 300 members in each SHG and 6,600 beneficiaries impacting rpore than 31,000 lives.

The VDVK members have been provided basic training on collection, value addition, packaging, grinding and marketing in the past, and given exposures for interacting with different levels in the field such as participating in fairs both in and outside the state.

They had also interacted with Times Now through PIP organised by TRIFED, said the nodal officer, while encouraging the VDVK members to strive for expanding their horizon.

The Maram tribe, classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), faces significant developmental challenges.

PM JANMAN aims to improve their socio-economic conditions through livelihood initiatives and basic amenities.

Around 300 tribal members attended the event, where beneficiaries received equipment such as handlooms, grinders, vacuum sealing machines, and weighing scales.

Later, Bajpai chaired a review meeting on central and state schemes at the DC's Conference Hall, assessing progress and urging officials to ensure timely, equitable implementation.

Departments like ADC, DIC, and Handloom & Textiles presented updates on PM JANMAN, PM DAJGUA, and other initiatives.

The meeting was also attended by Gaithaolu Thaimei, CCF (T-II) cum nodal officer, TRIFED; Arun RS, CF; Luckyson Ngamsha Kashung, director (TA & Hills); DC Mamoni Doley; SP Shaikh Mohd Zaid Zakir; Shanngam S, DFO Senapati; and DLOs.